Imaging device and camera body

ABSTRACT

A camera system includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body to which the interchangeable lens can be mounted, either directly or via an adapter. A lens microcomputer of the interchangeable lens is configured to hold lens information including information related to a focal point detection method. A body microcomputer of the camera body is configured to select a focal point detection method on the basis of lens information. The body microcomputer is configured to select a contrast detection method as the focal point detection method if the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method. The body microcomputer is configured to select a phase difference detection method as the focal point detection method if the interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method, and the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detection method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. National stage application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-034820 filed in Japan onFeb. 15, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The technical field relates to an imaging device, and more particularlyrelates to a single lens reflex digital camera.

2. Background Information

Single lens reflex digital cameras, with which an optical image of asubject can be converted into an electrical image signal and outputted,have exploded in popularity in recent years. With these single lensreflex digital cameras, when the user views a subject through aviewfinder, a reflecting mirror is provided along an imaging opticalpath between an imaging lens and an element. The light incident on theimaging lens, that is, an subject image is reflected by a reflectingmirror to change its optical path, and is passed through a pentaprism orthe like to create a positive image, and guided to the opticalviewfinder. This allows the user to view the subject image through theimaging lens from the optical viewfinder. Therefore, the position wherethe viewfinder-use optical path is formed is usually the home positionof the reflecting mirror.

Meanwhile, when the imaging lens is used to capture an image, thereflecting mirror instantly changes position and is retracted from theimaging optical path, so the viewfinder optical path is switched to theimaging optical path, and the mirror instantly returns to its homeposition once imaging is complete. With a single lens reflex camera,this operation is the same regardless of whether the camera is aconventional silver halide camera or a digital camera.

Also, a retractable sub-mirror is provided along the imaging opticalpath between the reflecting mirror and the imaging element. Thesub-mirror is located along the imagine optical path during focal lengthmeasurement, and reflects the light incident on the imaging lens andguides it to a focal length measurement component. The focal lengthmeasurement component measures the focal length by a phase differencedetection method, for example. The measured focal length is used forfocal point detection.

Patent Citation 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2001-125173

Thus, with a conventional digital single lens reflex camera, there was aspace between the imaging lens and the imaging element which housed areflecting mirror for forming the viewfinder optical path and asub-mirror for forming the focal length detection optical path.Therefore, the size of the camera body could not be reduced in theoptical axis direction (that is, the direction along the optical axis ofthe mounted interchangeable lens).

In view of this, there has been a proposal for a single lens reflexdigital camera with which focal point detection is performed by acontrast detection method, so that there is no need to dispose areflecting mirror and sub-mirror.

However, it is conceivable that an interchangeable lens and a camerabody that each have a different focal point detection method may becombined. For instance, if an interchangeable lens that is notcompatible with a contrast detection method is mounted, there is therisk that the camera body will not be compatible, and this makes theproduct less convenient to use.

SUMMARY

It is an object to improve the convenience of an imaging device and acamera body.

The imaging device according to a first aspect is an imaging device foracquiring an image of a subject, comprising an interchangeable lens anda camera body that allows the interchangeable lens to be mounted eitherdirectly or via an adapter. The interchangeable lens has an imagingoptical system for forming an optical image of the subject, and a lenscontroller configured to hold lens information including informationrelated to a focal point detection method. The camera body has animaging part, a first focal point detector, and a main body controller.The imaging part converts an optical image of the subject into an imagesignal. The first focal point detector detects a contrast value on thebasis of the image signal and determines the focal state of the opticalimage on the basis of the contrast value. The main body controller iscapable of acquiring the lens information held in the lens controller,and selects the focal point detection method on the basis of the lensinformation. If the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrastdetection method, the main body controller selects a contrast detectionmethod as the focal point detection method. If the interchangeable lensis not compatible with a contrast detection method, and the adapter iscompatible with a phase difference detection method, the main bodycontroller selects a phase difference detection method as the focalpoint detection method.

With this imaging device, if the interchangeable lens is compatible witha contrast detection method, a contrast detection method is selected asthe focal point detection method by the main body controller. If theinterchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method,and the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detection method,a phase difference detection method is selected as the focal pointdetection method by the main body controller. That is, even through theinterchangeable lens may not be compatible with a contrast detectionmethod, focal point detection will still be possible by phase differencedetection method as long as the adapter is compatible with a phasedifference detection method. Accordingly, this imaging device iscompatible with many different interchangeable lenses, and this improvesits convenience.

The phrase “the main body controller is capable of acquiring the lensinformation” encompasses cases in which the main body controlleracquires lens information both directly and indirectly. Accordingly, themain body controller will be able to acquire the lens information evenif another controller is connected between the main body controller andthe lens controller, and lens information is sent through this othercontroller to the main body controller, or if information newly producedby the other controller on the basis of lens information is sent to themain body controller, for example.

The imaging device according to a second aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to the first aspect, wherein, if the interchangeable lens iscompatible with a contrast detection method and the adapter iscompatible with a phase difference detection method, the main bodycontroller selects either a contrast detection method or a phasedifference detection method as the focal point detection method.

The imaging device according to a third aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to the first or second aspect, wherein the main bodycontroller determines whether or not the interchangeable lens iscompatible with a contrast detection method on the basis of the lensinformation.

The imaging device according to a fourth aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to any of the first to third aspects, wherein the adapter hasan adapter controller configured to hold adapter information includinginformation related to a focal point detection method. The main bodycontroller determines whether or not the adapter is compatible with aphase difference detection method on the basis of the adapterinformation.

The imaging device according to a fifth aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein theinterchangeable lens has a focal point adjuster including a focus lensgroup included in the imaging optical system and a position detectorconfigured to detect the position of the focus lens group. The lensinformation has at least one type of information selected from amonginformation for specifying the interchangeable lens, information relatedto whether or not there is a drive margin range for the focus lensgroup, and information related to the specifications of the positiondetector.

The imaging device according to a sixth aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein, if theinterchangeable lens has the drive margin range, the main bodycontroller determines that the interchangeable lens is compatible with acontrast detection method. If the interchangeable lens does not have thedrive margin range, the main body controller determines that theinterchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method.

The imaging device according to a seventh aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the positiondetector has a relative position detector configured to detect themovement direction and movement amount of the focus lens group. The lensinformation includes information related to the specifications of therelative position detector. If the relative position detector has atwo-phase encoder, the main body controller determines that theinterchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method. Ifthe relative position detector has a single-phase encoder, the main bodycontroller determines that the interchangeable lens is not compatiblewith a contrast detection method.

The imaging device according to an eighth aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to any of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising anadapter, which is a unit that can be mounted to the camera body and theinterchangeable lens in between the camera body and the interchangeablelens, and which has a mirror arranged to reflect part of the lightemitted from the imaging optical system, and a second focal pointdetector that utilizes the light reflected by the mirror to determinethe focal state by a phase difference detection method.

The imaging device according to a ninth aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the mirror is apellicle mirror.

The imaging device according to a tenth aspect is an imaging deviceconfigured to acquire an image of a subject, comprising aninterchangeable lens and a camera body that allows the interchangeablelens to be mounted, or allows the interchangeable lens to be mounted viaan adapter. The interchangeable lens has an imaging optical systemarranged to form an optical image of the subject. The camera body has animaging part, a focal point detector, a mounting detector, and a mainbody controller. The imaging part converts an optical image of thesubject into an image signal. The focal point detector detects acontrast value on the basis of the image signal and determines the focalstate of the optical image on the basis of the contrast value. Themounting detector detects that the adapter has been mounted. The mainbody controller selects the focal point detection method on the basis ofthe detection result of the mounting detector.

With this imaging device, since the focal point detection method isselected on the basis of the fact that an adapter has been mounted tothe camera body, if, for example, the adapter is compatible with a phasedifference detection method, a phase difference detection method isselected as the focal point detection method, which expands theselection range for the focal point detection method. This makes theimaging device more convenient to use.

The imaging device according to an eleventh aspect is the imaging deviceaccording to the tenth aspect, wherein, if the mounting detector detectsthat the adapter has been mounted, the main body controller selects aphase difference detection method as the focal point detection method.

The camera body according to a twelfth aspect is used along with aninterchangeable lens in an imaging device configured to acquire an imageof a subject, and allows the interchangeable lens to be mounted, orallows the interchangeable lens to be mounted via an adapter. Theinterchangeable lens includes an imaging optical system arranged to forman optical image of the subject, and a lens controller configured tohold lens information including information related to a focal pointdetection method. This camera body includes an imaging part, a focalpoint detector, and a main body controller. The imaging part isconfigured to convert an optical image of the subject into an imagesignal. The focal point detector is configured to detect a contrastvalue on the basis of the image signal and is configured to determinethe focal state of the optical image on the basis of the contrast value.The main body controller is configured to acquire the lens informationheld in the lens controller and is configured to select the focal pointdetection method on the basis of the lens information. The main bodycontroller is configured to select a contrast detection method as thefocal point detection method if the interchangeable lens is compatiblewith a contrast detection method. The main body controller is configuredto select a phase difference detection method as the focal pointdetection method if the interchangeable lens is not compatible with acontrast detection method and the adapter is compatible with a phasedifference detection method.

With this camera body, if the interchangeable lens is compatible with acontrast detection method, the main body controller selects a contrastdetection method as the focal point detection method. If theinterchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection methodand the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detection method,the main body controller selects a phase difference detection method asthe focal point detection method. That is, even though theinterchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method,focal point detection will still be possible as long as the adapter iscompatible with a phase difference detection method. Accordingly, thiscamera body is compatible with many different interchangeable lenses,and this improves its convenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system 1;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system 100;

FIG. 3 is a simplified connection diagram for a combination of aninterchangeable lens and a camera body;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system inwhich a first adapter is used;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a focus lens in acontrast detection method;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation for presetting a pulsecount value of a relative position detector by an absolute positiondetector;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a preset error;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the effect of preset error in acontrast detection method;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating relative position detection by contrastdetection method (without presetting);

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the determination of the drivedirection using a relative position detector (single-phase);

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the determination of the drivedirection using a relative position detector (two-phase);

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the decision processing by AF methodin which a selection can be made according to the combination ofinterchangeable lens and first and second camera bodies (type 2);

FIG. 13 is a flowchart (1) related to AF method selection processingperformed by first and second camera bodies (type 2);

FIG. 14 is a flowchart (2) related to AF method selection processingperformed by first and second camera bodies (type 2);

FIG. 15 is a flowchart (3) related to AF method selection processingperformed by first and second camera bodies (type 2);

FIG. 16 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system inwhich a second adapter is used;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system inwhich a third adapter is used;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system inwhich a fourth adapter is used;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system inwhich a fifth adapter is used; and

FIG. 20 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system inwhich a sixth adapter is used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The imaging device according to the present aspect will now be describedthrough reference to the drawings. Components that have substantiallythe same function are numbered the same and will not be described morethan once.

In this text, “front” means on the subject side with respect to thecamera body, and corresponds to the left direction in FIG. 1, forexample. The term “rear” means the opposite side from the subject sidewith respect to the camera body, that is, the imaging element side withrespect to the imaging optical system, and corresponds to the rightdirection in FIG. 1. The term “upper” corresponds to above in thevertical direction when the long-side direction of the captured image ishorizontal, and corresponds to the upward direction in FIG. 1. Usually,the side where the release button is disposed in the camera bodycorresponds to the upper side. “Lower” refers to the opposite directionfrom the upper side, and corresponds to the downward direction in thedrawings. The front, rear, upper, and lower faces of the variouscomponents are called the front face, rear face, upper face, and lowerface, respectively.

1: Overall Configuration of First Camera System

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the overall configuration of a camera system 1according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the camera system 1 (serving as an imaging device)is a system used in an interchangeable lens type of single lens reflexdigital camera, for example, and mainly comprises a camera body 3 havingthe main functions of the camera system 1, and an interchangeable lens 2that is removably mounted to the camera body 3. The interchangeable lens2 is mounted to a first lens mount 70 provided to the front face of thecamera body 3.

This camera system 1 will now be summarized.

A contrast detection method is employed as the focal point detectionmethod of the camera body 3. For example, when an interchangeable lensthat is compatible with a contrast detection method is mounted (such asthe interchangeable lens 2), a contrast detection method may be selectedas the focal point detection method for the camera system 1.

However, it is conceivable that the interchangeable lens that will bemounted may be any of various other kinds of interchangeable lensbesides the interchangeable lens 2, and we must take into account thepossibility that the mounted interchangeable lens will not be compatiblewith a contrast detection method. The configuration of the camera bodyand interchangeable lens that are primarily being assumed here will nowbe described.

1.1: Configuration of First Camera Body

The first camera body 3 shown in FIG. 1 mainly comprises an imagingsensor 11 (as an imaging part), a body microcomputer 12 (as a main bodycontroller), an image display component 16, an image display controller15, an image recorder 18, an image recording controller 17, and thefirst lens mount 70. The interchangeable lens 2, which has a first bodymount 80, is removably mounted to the first lens mount 70.

The imaging sensor 11 is used to obtain image signals by converting anoptical image of the subject formed on the imaging face into an imagesignal, and is a CCD, CMOS, or the like. The body microcomputer 12controls the operation of the various components. The image displaycomponent 16 displays captured images and various kinds of information.The image display controller 15 controls the operation of the imagedisplay component 16. The image recorder 18 reads image data from arecording medium and records it to the recording medium. The imagerecording controller 17 controls the image recorder 18.

The first camera body 3 further comprises a nonvolatile memory 53, acontrast value detection unit 31, a shake detection unit 30, a shutterunit 10, a shutter controller 14, and an imaging sensor controller 13.The contrast value detection unit 31 detects a contrast value from theimage signal acquired by the imaging sensor 11. The shake detection unit30 detects movement of the camera body 3 caused by hand shake or thelike. The shutter unit 10 adjusts the exposure state of the imagingsensor 11. The shutter controller 14 controls the drive of the shutterunit 10 on the basis of a control signal from the body microcomputer 12.The imaging sensor controller 13 controls the operation of the imagingsensor 11.

The body microcomputer 12 is the main control apparatus for the camerabody 3, and controls various sequences. More specifically, a CPU, ROM,and RAM are installed in the body microcomputer 12, and the CPU readsthe programs loaded in the ROM, which allows the body microcomputer 12to carry out its various functions. For example, the body microcomputer12 has the function of detecting that the interchangeable lens 2 hasbeen mounted to the camera body 3, the function of detecting that anadapter (discussed below) has been mounted to the camera body 3, thefunction of determined whether or not a contrast detection method or aphase difference detection method is compatible on the basis of lensinformation (discussed below) and adapter information (discussed below),the function of selecting a focal point detection method, the functionof setting an image blur corrector (discussed below) to a correctablestate and a non-correctable state, and so forth. As shown in FIG. 1, thebody microcomputer 12 is connected to the various components provided tothe camera body 3.

The shake detection unit 30 has an angular velocity sensor that detectsmovement of the camera body 3 due to hand shake or the like. The angularvelocity sensor outputs a positive or negative angular velocity signalaccording to the direction in which the camera body 3 is moved on thebasis of the output in a state in which the camera body 3 is standingstill. In this embodiment, two angular velocity sensors are provided fordetecting in two directions, namely, the yaw and pitch directions. Theoutputted angular velocity signal goes through filtering, amplification,and other such processing, is converted into a digital signal by an A/Dconverter, and is sent to the body microcomputer 12. The bodymicrocomputer 12 sends the angular velocity signal to a lensmicrocomputer 20 via an electrical contact (not shown) provided to thefirst lens mount 70. The lens microcomputer 20 sequentially subjects theangular velocity signal to filtering, integration, phase compensation,gain adjustment, clipping, and so forth to calculate the amount of drivecontrol of an image blur correcting lens group 22 needed for image blurcorrection, and outputs this amount as a control signal. The outputtedcontrol signal is outputted through a D/A converter to a lens-use imageblur corrector 28.

The camera body 3 is also provided with a power switch (not shown) forturning the power on and off to the camera system 1, and a releasebutton (not shown) operated by the user during focusing and shutterrelease. When the power switch is moved to the on position, power issupplied to the various components of the camera body 3 and theinterchangeable lens 2.

The nonvolatile memory 53 also holds various kinds of informationrelated to the camera body 3 (body information). This body informationincludes, for example, the name of the manufacturer of the camera body3, the manufacture date, the model number, the version of softwareinstalled in the body microcomputer 12, information related to firmwareupdates, and other such information related to the model for specifyingthe camera body 3 (main body specification information), informationrelated to whether or not an image blur corrector has been installed inthe camera body 3, information related to detection performance such assensitivity and the model number of the shake detection unit 30, anderror history. All of this information may be stored in a memorycomponent inside the body microcomputer 12 rather than in thenonvolatile memory 53.

The camera body 3 is provided with a release button (not shown), a firstswitch S1 that is connected to the release button and is operated bybeing pressed halfway down, and a second switch S2 that is connected tothe release button and is operated by being pressed all the way down.Specifically, when the release button is pressed halfway down, the firstswitch S1 is in an on state, and when pressed all the way down, thefirst switch S1 and the second switch S2 are both in an on state. Whenthe release button is pressed halfway down and the first switch S1 is inan on state, power is supplied to the various components, starting withthe body microcomputer 12 and the lens microcomputer 20.

The contrast value detection unit 31 detects a contrast value from animage signal acquired by the imaging sensor 11, and outputs it to thebody microcomputer 12. The contrast value is used to realize anauto-focus function (discussed below).

The camera body 3 does not have a reflecting mirror for forming aviewfinder optical path, or a sub-mirror for forming a focal pointdistance detection optical path. The distance in the optical axisdirection from the front face of the first lens mount 70 to the imagingface of the imaging sensor 11 (hereinafter referred to as the flangefocal distance) is less than the flange focal distance of a conventionalcamera system 1. Therefore, the camera body 3 in this embodiment can besmaller in size in the optical axis direction (that is, the direction ofthe optical axis X of the mounted interchangeable lens 2) than with aconventional camera body. Also, the image captured by the imaging sensor11 is displayed in real time by the image display component 16, ratherthan in an optical viewfinder.

1.2: Configuration of First Interchangeable Lens

The first interchangeable lens 2 mainly comprises an imaging opticalsystem L for forming a subject image on the imaging face of the imagingsensor 11, a focus adjuster 42 for performing focusing, an apertureadjuster 41 for adjusting the aperture, the lens-use image blurcorrector 28, the lens microcomputer 20 serving as a lens controller forcontrolling the operation of the interchangeable lens 2, a nonvolatilememory 52, and the first body mount 80 that can be mounted to the firstlens mount 70. The lens-use image blur corrector 28 is a unit foradjusting the optical path and thereby correcting any image blur causedby movement of the camera body 3.

The focus adjuster 42 mainly comprises a focus lens group 24 that can bedriven in the optical axis direction and that adjusts the focus bymovement in the optical axis direction, and a focus lens groupcontroller 25 that controls the drive of the focus lens group 24.

The focus lens group 24 is able to move in the optical axis directionwithin a standard range F from the closest focal position F1 determinedas the limit for the first interchangeable lens 2 to the infinity focalposition F2. Also, the focus lens group 24 must be able to move forwardand backward in the optical axis direction with the focal position inbetween, because of focal position detection by the contrast methoddiscussed below, so there are also drive margin ranges H1 and H2, overwhich movement is possible back and forth in the optical axis direction,beyond the above-mentioned standard range F from the closest focalposition F1 to the infinity focal position F2.

The focus lens group controller 25 has a relative position detector 90that detects the relative position of the focus lens group 24 in theoptical axis direction. The relative position detector 90 cannot byitself detect an absolute position, but is able to detect a movementdirection. A two-phase encoder is used, for example, as the relativeposition detector 90. Examples of two-phase encoders include a rotarypulse encoder, an MR element (magnet resistive element), and a Hallelement. Two sensors are provided for the two-phase encoder. The sensorsalternately output binary signals at equal pitches according to theposition of the focus lens group 24 in the optical axis direction. Thetwo sensors are disposed so as to offset the phase of the pitches. Thelens microcomputer 20 computes the relative position of the focus lensgroup 24 in the optical axis direction from the output of the relativeposition detector 90.

The aperture adjuster 41 mainly comprises an aperture component 26 foropening or closing the aperture, and an aperture controller 27 forcontrolling the operation of the aperture component 26.

The lens-use image blur corrector 28 mainly comprises the image blurcorrecting lens group 22 and an image blur correction controller 23. Theimage blur correction controller 23 is a unit that drives and controlsthe image blur correcting lens group 22, and moves the image blurcorrecting lens group 22 up, down, left, and right within the horizontalplane perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system L.The lens-use image blur corrector 28 further comprises a movement amountdetector (not shown). The movement amount detector is used to detect theactual amount of movement of the image blur correcting lens group 22,and along with the image blur correction controller 23 forms a feedbackcontrol loop for controlling the drive of the image blur correcting lensgroup 22.

The lens microcomputer 20 is the main control apparatus for theinterchangeable lens 2, and is connected to the various componentsinstalled in the interchangeable lens 2. More specifically, a CPU, ROM,and RAM are installed in the lens microcomputer 20, and the CPU readsthe programs loaded in the ROM, which allows the lens microcomputer 20to carry out its various functions. For example, the lens microcomputer20 has the function of setting the lens-use image blur corrector to acorrectable state or a non-correctable state on the basis of a signalfrom the body microcomputer 12. Also, the body microcomputer 12 and thelens microcomputer 20 are electrically connected via electrical contacts(not shown) provided to the first lens mount 70 and the first body mount80, respectively, allowing information to be transmitted and receivedbetween these. This communication may also be accomplished by opticalcommunication or by wireless radio waves. The lens microcomputer 20 isconnected to the various components provided to the interchangeable lens2.

The nonvolatile memory 52 holds various kinds of information related tothe interchangeable lens 2 (lens information). This lens informationincludes, for example, the name of the manufacturer of theinterchangeable lens 2, the manufacture date, the model number, theversion of software installed in the lens microcomputer 20, informationrelated to firmware updates, and other such information related to themodel for specifying the interchangeable lens 2 (lens specificationinformation), information related to whether or not an image blurcorrector has been installed in the interchangeable lens 2, and if animage blur corrector has been installed, information related todetection performance such as sensitivity and the model number of theshake detection unit 21, information related to correction performancesuch as a maximum correctable angle and the model number of the imageblur corrector (lens-side correction performance information), and theversion of the software for performing image blur correction.Furthermore, the lens information includes information related to thepower consumption required for driving the image blur corrector(lens-side power consumption information) and information related to thetype of drive of the image blur corrector (lens-side drive typeinformation). It is also possible to hold information sent from the bodymicrocomputer 12. All of this information may be stored in a memorycomponent inside the lens microcomputer 20 rather than in thenonvolatile memory 52.

2: Configuration of Second Camera System

2.1: Configuration of Second Camera Body

The second camera body 300 shown in FIG. 2 further comprises an imagingsensor driver 319 and an imaging sensor drive controller 320, inaddition to the first camera body 3. The imaging sensor driver 319drives the imaging sensor 11 so as to correct image blur according tothe output of the shake detection unit 30. The imaging sensor drivecontroller 320 controls the operation of the imaging sensor driver 319.As shown in FIG. 2, the body microcomputer 12 is connected to theimaging sensor drive controller 320.

A camera body-use image blur corrector 328 mainly has the imaging sensordriver 319 and the imaging sensor drive controller 320. The imagingsensor drive controller 320 controls the imaging sensor driver 319 andmoves the imaging sensor 11 up, down, left, and right within thehorizontal plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the imagingoptical system L. The camera body-use image blur corrector 328 furtherhas a movement amount detector (not shown). The movement amount detectoris a unit that detects the actual amount of movement of the imagingsensor 11, and along with the imaging sensor drive controller 320 formsa feedback control loop for controlling the drive of the imaging sensor11.

2.2: Configuration of Second Interchangeable Lens

A second interchangeable lens 200 will be described through reference toFIG. 2. The second interchangeable lens 200 is an interchangeable lensin which the image blur corrector is excluded from the firstinterchangeable lens 2, and otherwise its configuration is the same asthat of the first interchangeable lens 2.

2.3: Combination of Interchangeable Lens and Camera Body

The first camera system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a combination of the firstcamera body 3 in which no image blur corrector is installed, and thefirst interchangeable lens 2 that has the built-in lens-use image blurcorrector 28. The second camera system 100 shown in FIG. 2 is acombination of the second camera body 300 with the built-in image blurcorrector 328, and the second interchangeable lens 200 that does nothave a built-in image blur corrector. The body microcomputer 12 and thelens microcomputer 20 can exchange information so as to allowfunctioning regardless of the combination.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the second camera body 300 with abuilt-in image blur corrector is combined with the first interchangeablelens 2 with the built-in image blur corrector shown in FIG. 1,information to the effect that the image blur corrector 28 is built inis sent from the first interchangeable lens 2 to the body microcomputer12. The second camera body 300 asks the user to choose which image blurcorrector to use, or the preset image blur corrector is automaticallyselected by the body microcomputer 12.

3: Interchangeability of Camera Body and Interchangeable Lens

As discussed above, the first and second camera bodies 3 and 300 do nothave a reflecting mirror for forming a viewfinder-use optical path or asub-mirror for forming a focal length detection optical path. Therefore,the distance in the optical axis direction from the front face of thefirst lens mount 70 to the imaging face of the imaging sensor 11, knownas the flange focal distance, is set smaller than the flange focaldistance of a conventional single lens reflex camera system.Furthermore, this camera body 3 does not have a phase differencedetection type of auto-focus method.

Because of the above, interchangeability with various interchangeablelenses is achieved with this camera body 3, which takes into account acase in which an interchangeable lens other than the firstinterchangeable lens 2 corresponding to the first camera body 3 ismounted to the camera body 3.

3.1: Flange Focal Distance

FIG. 3 is a simplified connection diagram for a combination of aninterchangeable lens. In FIG. 3, the body is classified as either type 1or type 2, and the lens is classified as either type 1-A or type 1-B.FIG. 3 shows a simplified diagram of when an interchangeable lens andcamera body of different types are connected.

A type 1 camera body 903 is a conventional camera body that has, forexample, a reflecting mirror 904 that guides the optical path to anoptical viewfinder (not shown), a sub-mirror 4 that guides the opticalpath to a focal point detection unit 6, and the imaging sensor 11.Meanwhile, a type 2 camera body is the first and second camera bodies 3and 300 according to this embodiment, for example. The flange focaldistance of the type 1 camera body 903 is greater than the flange focaldistance of the type 2 camera body 3.

A type 1-A interchangeable lens 720 and a type 1-B interchangeable lens920 are each an interchangeable lens corresponding to the flange focaldistance of the type 1 camera body 903. Specifically, the type 1 camerabody 903 has a body mount 81 that can be mounted to a lens mount 71, andthe distance in the optical axis direction from the rear focal positionof the imaging optical system L to the rear face of the body mount 81(hereinafter referred to as the back focus) is equal to the flange focaldistance of the type 1 camera body 903. The differences between the type1-A and 1-B interchangeable lenses will be discussed below.

When the type 1-A or type 1-B interchangeable lens 720 or 920 isdirectly mounted to the type 2 camera body 3, which has a shorter flangefocal distance, the focal point is greatly shifted to the rear from theimaging sensor 11. In view of this, it is possible to mount an adapter,which corrects the difference between the flange focal distance of thetype 1 camera body and the flange focal distance of the type 2 camerabody, between the type 2 camera body 3 and the type 1-A or type 1-Binterchangeable lens 720 or 920. When an adapter is used, the focalposition can be located on the imaging face of the imaging sensor 11 bythe focus lens group 24 of the type 1-A or type 1-B interchangeable lens720 or 920.

3.2: Auto-Focus Method

The type 1 camera body 903 is capable of focal position detection byphase difference detection method (phase difference detection AF(auto-focus)). On the other hand, the type 2 camera body 3 is notcapable of focal position detection by phase difference detectionmethod. Also, the type 2 camera body 3 is capable of focal positiondetection by contrast detection method (contrast AF (auto-focus)).

In FIG. 3, two types of adapters, A and B, are given as examples of theadapter for adjusting the back focus. The adapter A has the focal pointdetection unit 6 inside, while the adapter B does not have the focalpoint detection unit 6. The focal point detection unit is, for example,a phase difference detector that produces two images with a separatorlens and measures the interval between the two images.

Next, the type 1-A and type 1-B interchangeable lenses will bedescribed. The type 1-A interchangeable lens 720 is not compatible witha contrast detection method, but is compatible with a phase differencedetection method. On the other hand, the type 1-B interchangeable lens920 is compatible with a contrast detection method and a phasedifference detection method in an AF method. Since the type 1-Binterchangeable lens 920 is compatible with a contrast detection method,as discussed below, the range over which the focus lens group 24 movesand the method for detecting the position of the focus lens group 24 aredifferent from those with type 1-A.

We will now describe an AF method that can be selected according to thecombination of the adapters A and B, the type 1-A and type 1-Binterchangeable lenses, and the type 1 and type 2 camera bodies 3described above.

When the type 1-A interchangeable lens 720 has been connected, theconditions are not compatible with a contrast detection method, so acontrast detection method cannot be used regardless of thespecifications of the camera body or the adapter. When the type 1-Binterchangeable lens 920 has been connected, the conditions arecompatible with a contrast detection method, so a contrast detectionmethod can be used regardless of the specifications of the camera bodyor the adapter.

When the type 1 camera body 903 is used, since the phase differencedetection method-use sub-mirror 4 and the focal point detection unit 6are provided, a phase difference detection method can be used regardlessof the specifications of the interchangeable lens or the adapter. Whenthe type 2 camera body 3 and the adapter A are used, since the phasedifference detection method-use sub-mirror 4 and the focal pointdetection unit 6 are provided, a phase difference detection method canbe used no matter which interchangeable lens is used. When the type 2camera body 3 and the adapter B are used, since the phase differencedetection method-use sub-mirror 4 and the focal point detection unit 6are not provided, a phase difference detection method cannot be used nomatter which interchangeable lens is used.

The methods that can be used are complied in FIG. 3.

The operation of a phase difference detection method will be describedbriefly at this point. With a phase difference detection method, thefocal point detection unit 6 receives light guided by the sub-mirror 4to the focal point detection unit 6, a command is issued to theinterchangeable lens so as to drive the focus lens group 24 on the basisof the amount of defocus (hereinafter referred to as Df amount) detectedfrom the information thus received, the interchangeable lens moves thefocus lens group 24 on the basis of this command, and the position ofthe focus lens group 24 is adjusted so that the focal point coincides(that is, a focused state), or substantially coincides, with the imagingface of the imaging sensor 11.

It should go without saying that manual focusing is possible no matterwhat the combination is.

4: Configuration of Single Lens Reflex Camera System with Adapter

The above-mentioned adapter A will now be described using a firstadapter 4 as an example. For the sake of convenience, we will describe acase of using the first camera body 3 and a third interchangeable lens720 corresponding to the above-mentioned type 1-A (equipped with animage blur correcting function) in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a combination ofthe first camera body 3, the third interchangeable lens 720, and thefirst adapter 4 that is connected between these two.

4.1: Third Interchangeable Lens

The differences between the third interchangeable lens 720 and the firstinterchangeable lens 2 will be described. The distance in the opticalaxis direction from the focal position of the third interchangeable lens720 to the rear face of the second body mount 81 (referred to as theback focus) is longer than that of the first interchangeable lens 2.

The focus lens group 24 is able to move in the optical axis directionover a standard range F from the closest focal position F1 determined asthe limit for the third interchangeable lens 720 to the infinity focalposition F2, but cannot move back and forth in the optical axisdirection outside of the standard range F. That is, the interchangeablelens 720 does not have the drive margin ranges H1 and H2 had by thefirst interchangeable lens 2. This means that the interchangeable lens720 is not compatible with auto-focusing by a contrast detection method.

A focus lens group controller 725 has a relative position detector 725 bfor detecting the relative position of the focus lens group 24 in theoptical axis direction. The relative position detector 725 b cannot byitself detect an absolute position, and cannot detect a movementdirection. A single-phase encoder is used, for example. Examples ofsingle-phase encoders include a rotary pulse encoder, an MR element(magnet resistive element), and a Hall element. One sensor is providedto the single-phase encoder. This sensor alternately outputs binarysignals at equal pitches according to the position of the focus lensgroup 24 in the optical axis direction.

The focus lens group controller 725 further has an absolute positiondetector 725 a for detecting the absolute position of the focus lensgroup 24 in the optical axis direction. The detection pitch of theposition of the focus lens group 24 in the optical axis direction by theabsolute position detector 725 a is greater than the detection pitch ofthe position of the focus lens group 24 in the optical axis direction bythe relative position detector 725 b.

4.2: First Adapter

The first adapter 4 comprises a second body mount 81 that can beconnected to the first lens mount 70 had by the first camera body 3, asecond lens mount 71 that can be connected to the first body mount 80 ofthe third interchangeable lens 720, the focal point detection unit 6, anadapter microprocessor 7, a half mirror 8, and a mirror driver 9.

As shown in FIG. 4, the light from the subject (not shown) passesthrough the third interchangeable lens 720, part of the light incidenton the first adapter 4 is reflected by the half mirror 8 and incident onthe focal point detection unit 6, and the rest of the light passesthrough and is incident as a subject image on the imaging sensor 11 ofthe camera body 3. This subject image is electrically converted into anupright image and displayed on the image display component 16. Thisallows an upright image of the subject to be seen.

The flange focal distance of the interchangeable lens 720 issubstantially equal to the distance from the lens mount 71 to theimaging sensor 11 of the camera body 3. That is, it is equal to thedistance obtained by adding the distance between the imaging sensor 11of the camera body 3 or 300 and the lens mount 70 of the above-mentionedcamera system 1 or 100, to the distance of the lens mount 71 from thelens mount 70 of the adapter 4.

4.3: Operation During Imaging

If the user captures an image by looking at the image display component16, when the power switch is used to turn on the power, power issupplied to the various components of the camera body 3, the adapter 4,and the interchangeable lens 720. When the user presses the releasebutton halfway down, power is supplied to the various units and to thebody microcomputer 12 of the camera body 3, and the body microcomputer12, the adapter microprocessor 7, and the lens microcomputer 20 areelectrically connected via electrical contacts (not shown) provided tothe first lens mount 70, the first body mount 80, the second lens mount71, and the second body mount 81, so that these can send and receiveinformation to and from each other. This communication may also beaccomplished by optical communication or by wireless radio waves.

The body microcomputer 12 and the lens microcomputer 20 are programmedso as to exchange information with each other at start-up. For example,lens information related to the interchangeable lens 720 is sent fromthe memory component of the lens microcomputer 20 to the bodymicrocomputer 12, and this lens information is held in the memorycomponent of the body microcomputer 12. The adapter microprocessor 7sends information to the effect that an adapter has been connected,through the electrical contact (not shown) of the lens mount 70 to thebody microcomputer 12. At this point the adapter microprocessor 7 alsoreceives information related to whether or not an image blur correctoris installed in the interchangeable lens 720, determines how the variousfunctions according to imaging operation will be used, and transmits tothe body microcomputer 12. For example, with the configuration shown inFIG. 4, a command is issued so that the interchangeable lens 720 handlesthe function of image blur correction, while focal point detection ishandled by the focal point detection unit 6 built into the adapter.

Next, when the user presses the release button halfway down, the amountof defocus (hereinafter referred to as Df amount) is acquired by thefocal point detection unit 6 on the basis of the light reflected fromthe half mirror 8. The adapter microprocessor 7 sends this Df amount tothe body microcomputer 12, and a command is issued from the bodymicrocomputer 12 to the lens microcomputer 20 to drive the focus lensgroup 24 by this Df amount. More specifically, the focus lens groupcontroller 725 is controlled by the lens microcomputer 20 and the focuslens group 724 moves by the Df amount. The Df amount can be reduced byrepeating this focal point detection and drive of the focus lens group724. Once the Df amount reaches or drops below a specific level, thebody microcomputer 12 determines that the lens group is in focus, andthe drive of the focus lens group 724 is halted.

After this, when the user presses the release button all the way down, acommand is sent from the body microcomputer 12 to the lens microcomputer20 so as to use the aperture value calculated on the basis of the outputfrom a light sensor (not shown). The aperture controller 27 iscontrolled by the lens microcomputer 20, and the aperture is closed downto the indicated aperture value. At the same time as when the aperturevalue is specified, the adapter microprocessor 7 sends the mirror driver9 a command to raise the mirror, and the half mirror 8 is retracted fromthe optical path X. Upon completion of this retraction, the imagingsensor controller 13 outputs a command to drive the imaging sensor 11,and the operation of the shutter unit 10 is indicated. The imagingsensor controller 13 exposes the imaging sensor 11 for a length of timeequal to the shutter speed calculated on the basis of the output from alight sensor (not shown).

Upon completion of the exposure, the imaging sensor controller 13 readsimage data from the imaging sensor 11, and after specific imageprocessing, the image data is outputted through the body microcomputer12 to the image display controller 15. As a result, the captured imageis displayed on the image display component 16. Also, the image data isstored in a recording medium via the image recording controller 17 andthe image recorder 18. Also, upon completion of exposure, the shutterunit 10 is reset to its initial value by the body microcomputer 12.Also, a command is sent from the body microcomputer 12 to the adaptermicroprocessor 7 and to the mirror controller 9 to drive the half mirror8 into the optical path X. At the same time, a command is sent from thebody microcomputer 12 to the lens microcomputer 20 and to the aperturecontroller 27 to reset the aperture to the open position, and a resetcommand is sent from the lens microcomputer 20 to the various units.Upon completion of the resetting, the adapter microprocessor 7 and thelens microcomputer 20 tell the body microcomputer 12 that resetting iscomplete. The body microcomputer 12 waits for resetting completioninformation from the adapter microprocessor 7 and the lens microcomputer20 and for a series of processing after exposure, after which it isconfirmed that the release button has not been pressed, and the imagingsequence is ended.

5: Auto-Focus

The contrast detection method will be described through reference toFIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the operation of a focus lens in acontrast detection method.

5.1: Basic Operation of Contrast Detection Method

As shown in FIG. 5, the peak contrast value is detected within a range(hereinafter referred to as the standard range) from the closest focalposition F1 determined as the limit for the interchangeable lens to theinfinity focal position F2, over which resolution, peripheral lightamount, distortion, and other such aspects of lens function can besatisfied by moving the focus lens group 24 over the range of possiblemovement in the optical axis direction as determined by the mechanicalconfiguration (hereinafter referred to as the movable range).Accordingly, to detect the contrast value in the standard range, themovable range must be wider than the standard range, and drive marginranges H1 and H2 must be provided at the two ends, on the rear (near)side of the closest focal position F1 and the front (far) side of theinfinity focal position F2.

The focus lens group 24 is driven in the optical axis direction byconverting the rotary motion of a DC motor, an ultrasonic motor, oranother such focus drive motor into linear motion via a transmissionmechanism. Also, the relative position of the focus lens group 24 isdetected indirectly by attaching a relative position detector to thetransmission mechanism and detecting the relative rotational position.

The basic operation of the focus lens group 24 by contrast detectionmethod includes three operations: a first focus drive operation, asecond focus drive operation, and a third focus drive operation.

First, let us assume that the focus lens group 24 is in the contrastdetection start position in FIG. 5. The focus lens group 24 is driven inthe B direction from the contrast detection start position (first focusdrive operation). Consequently, the optical image incident on theimaging sensor 11 changes, and the video signal outputted from theimaging sensor 11 also changes. The contrast value detection unit 31detects the contrast value of this video signal and changes in thecontrast value, and stores the position of the focus lens group 24 atthe peak contrast value. If the focus lens group 24 is disposed at thestored position, then the optical image formed by the imaging opticalsystem L is in focus. The position of the focus lens group 24 isdetermined by position information detected by the relative positiondetector 725 b. After the peak position of the contrast value has beendetected, the focus lens group 24 is stopped at the contrast detectionend position in FIG. 5, and the flow moves on to the second focus driveoperation.

In the second focus drive operation, the focus lens group 24 is drivenin the A direction, which is the opposite direction from that in thefirst focus drive operation. When the movement of the focus lens group24 is changing direction, backlash occurs in the transmission mechanismthat links the focus lens group drive motor and the focus lens group.Backlash is a phenomenon in which a gap formed between members preventsthe rotary motion from being converted into linear motion via thetransmission mechanism. Although the output value of the relativeposition detector 725 b that detects the rotational position varieswhile backlash is occurring, the focus lens group 24 does not move.Accordingly, even though the focus lens group 24 is moved to a positioncorresponding to the peak position of the contrast value in the secondfocus drive operation, it cannot be stopped at the proper position. Inview of this, in the second focus drive operation, the group is notstopped at the peak position of the contrast value, and instead passesthis position by.

The drive direction of the focus lens group 24 in the third focus driveoperation is the same as that in the first focus drive operation in thedetection of the peak position of the contrast value, so backlash hasless of an effect. The focus lens group 24 is stopped at the focalposition corresponding to the peak position of the contrast value, andthe focusing operation is ended.

5.2: Contrast AF Method with a Single Lens Reflex Camera System

A contrast AF method is an AF method in which the focal position of thefocus lens group 24 is adjusted by using the contrast value detectionunit 31 to detect the peak contrast value in the video signal detectedby the imaging sensor 11, and repositioning the focus lens group 24 atthe detected peak position is important.

The contrast AF method is mainly used for compact digital still cameras,and makes use of a stepping motor (as the focus lens drive motor) and ascrew feed mechanism that is directly linked to the motor shaft. Sincethe stepping motor performs rotation by making minute steps according tothe number of pulses indicated, positioning precision is good. Also,since the above-mentioned screw feed mechanism biases the focus lensgroup in the optical axis direction, almost no backlash occurs.Therefore, the focus lens group can be repositioned at the peak positionby storing the drive pulse number of the stepping motor at the pointwhen the peak position is detected. However, since the torque generatedby a stepping motor is low, it is difficult to generate enough torque todrive the focus lens group 24 with a stepping motor that is small enoughto be installed in the interchangeable lens of a single lens reflexcamera. Consequently, when contrast AF is performed in a single lensreflex digital camera system, it is difficult to constitute the focusdrive system in the same way as with a compact type of digital stillcamera.

As to the configuration of the focus drive system in a single lensreflex camera system, DC motors and ultrasonic motors are mainly usedfor the focus drive motor. Unlike stepping motors, DC motors andultrasonic motors do not allow the rotational position to be ascertainedwith the motor itself, so a position detector is provided externally.

The position detector of a conventional single lens reflex camera systemis mainly made up of two components: the absolute position detector 725a and the relative position detector 725 b. The absolute positiondetector 725 a detects the position of the focus lens group 24. However,it is difficult to detect at a fine resolution, and therefore a relativeposition detector is used to detect at a fine resolution the relativerotational position of the motor.

Also, with a conventional single lens reflex camera system, a phasedifference detection method is generally used as the AF method, in whichthe Df amount obtained by the focal point detection unit 6 and theamount of movement of the focus lens group 24 from its current positionto the focal position are calculated, and the motor is driven on thebasis of this. With this AF method, the current position of the focuslens group 24 prior to focusing must be found by the absolute positiondetector 725 a in order to issue a motor drive command, and a controlcommand must be calculated on the basis of this position. Therefore, asshown in FIG. 6, the relationship of the two position detectors isconstituted so that the value of the relative position detector ispreset simultaneously with start-up, using the absolute positiondetector as a reference. In an embodiment, the relative positiondetector is automatically preset to 6, 11, and 16 with respect to thestart-up 1, 2, 3 of the absolute position detector.

When a contrast AF method is conducted with a conventional single lensreflex camera system thus having two position detectors, a problem is apreset difference that occurs in presetting of the relative positiondetector 725 b with the absolute position detector 725 a.

FIG. 7 is a graph of the output pulse of the relative position detectoras a function of presetting error. In FIG. 7, a solid line indicates theideal state for start-up timing of the absolute position detector 725 a,and a broken line indicates that the start-up is earlier or later thanthis. In start-up in an ideal state, if the pulse of the relativeposition detector 725 b is preset to 6, the pulse count of the relativeposition detector will continuously increase from before start-up of theabsolute position detector 725 a, but when an error occurs in thestart-up, the pulse count of the relative position detector ends upbeing forcibly preset to 6, so it becomes impossible to count pulsescontinuously from the state prior to presetting. With a phase differencedetection method, this presetting error does not pose a major problembecause commands are updated so that the Df amount is gradually reduced,but when contrast AF is performed, this presetting error greatly affectspositioning precision.

FIG. 8 shows the effect that presetting error has on positioningprecision during contrast AF. The effect of presetting error of theabsolute position detector 725 a will be described through reference toFIG. 8. In this description, the conditions for the drive pattern inFIG. 8 are set.

Conditions

The first and second focus drive operations are halted after four pulsecounts once the peak position is exceeded.

The value of the relative position detector at presets 1 and 2, whichare the preset timing with the absolute position detector, is preset to6 on the way out and to 5 on the way back.

The focus drive operations will now be described.

(1) First Focus Drive Operation

The pulse count of the relative position detector 725 b is commenced atthe start of drive, and the pulse count is incremented by forward driveof the focus drive motor. The pulse count of the relative positiondetector 725 b is preset to 6 at the timing of preset 1. At the point ofpreset 1, the preset is applied as has been set, and the pulse count ofthe relative position detector is continuously carried out from thestart of drive. At the position where the pulse count is 8, it isdetected that the position where the pulse count is 7 is the peak of thecontrast value, and 7 is stored as the pulse count of the peak position.Drive is stopped at the position where the pulse count is 11, which isan advance of four pulses from the peak position, just as in the setconditions. The result of the above is that the first focus driveoperation is ended and the flow moves on to the second focus driveoperation.

(2) Second Focus Drive Operation

A command is issued for reverse drive, so that the rotation of the focusdrive motor is inverted from forward drive, and reverse operation iscommenced, back to a pulse count of 3, which is obtained by going backfour pulses (set condition) from the pulse count 7 of the peak positiondetected in the first focus drive operation. Backlash comes into playfor a while after this inversion. Specifically, after the start ofreverse operation, even if the focus drive motor is driven backward bytwo pulse counts, the position of the focus lens group 24 will notchange. When there is no effect of backlash, the pulse count is reducedby reverse drive of the focus drive motor. Presetting is performed atthe preset 2 timing, and the pulse count of the relative positiondetector is preset to 5. Here, since preset error results in presettingat a different position from that of preset 1, the pulse count isoffset. Also, the effect of backlash causes offset, with the pulse countchanging to 5 at the contrast peak position. Furthermore, the effect ofbacklash causes the position of the stored pulse count 7 to deviate fromthe peak position.

Drive is stopped at the point when a signal comes in for a pulse countof 3 as commanded, the second focus drive operation is ended, and theflow moves on to the third focus drive operation.

(3) Third Focus Drive Operation

A command is issued for forward drive, so that the rotation of the focusdrive motor is inverted from reverse drive, and forward operation iscommenced, to a pulse count of 7, which is the pulse count at which thepeak was detected. Backlash comes into play for a while after thisinversion. As commanded, drive is performed to the position where thepulse count is 7, the third focus drive operation is ended, and theoverall focus drive operation is also ended.

Due to presetting error of preset 1 and preset 2 caused by the effect ofstart-up variance of the absolute position detector 725 a, drive ends upbeing stopped at a different position from the peak position of thecontrast value detected in the first focus drive operation, the resultbeing that a stop position error occurs. With a method in which anabsolute position detector is used to preset the value of the relativeposition detector, repeated positional precision is poor, and it can beseen that performing a contrast AF method is difficult.

5.3: Contrast Detection Method with First and Second Single Lens ReflexCamera Systems

Thus, with a contrast AF method, there is no need for information aboutthe current position of the focus lens group 24, and how well the groupcan be repositioned at the detected peak position is important.

In view of this, with a contrast AF method for the first and secondsingle lens reflex camera systems 1 and 100, rather than using twoposition detectors, namely, the absolute position detector 725 a and therelative position detector 725 b, as with a conventional method, amethod is used in which position detection is performed with just theoutput pulses of the relative position detector 90.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation of a contrast AF method for asingle lens reflex camera when only a relative position detector isused. It can be seen from FIG. 9 that no presetting comes in from anabsolute position detector, and it is always possible to obtain pulseinformation about the relative position detector, so positioning can beaccomplished at exactly the position corresponding to the peak of thecontrast value detected in the first focus drive operation, without anyerror in the pulse count. When contrast AF is thus performed using justthe relative position detector 90, presetting error caused by theabsolute position detector has no effect, and positioning is possiblewith greater precision in the position corresponding to the peak.

Also, the relative position detector 90 that is used is one with whichthe drive direction can be determined. The relative position detector 90can be a photo sensor, an MR element (magnet resistive element), a PSD(position sensitive detector), or the like, but when a photo sensor oran MR element is used, the sensor must be a two-phase type. FIGS. 10 and11 illustrate the determination of the direction in which the focus lensgroup 24 is driven, using the relative position detector 90. FIG. 10 iswhen the sensor is a single-phase type, and FIG. 11 a two-phase type.

In FIG. 10, with a single-phase encoder, during rotation of the rotor itcan be determined whether the motor is rotating forward or backward byinput command to the motor. Accordingly, when there is an input signalto the motor, it can be determined from this motor signal and the pulsenumber detected by the relative position detector how much the motor hasrotated and in which direction.

However, when the motor is temporarily stopped during inversion, eventhough the motor input signal stops, the rotor of the motor itself doesnot stop right away, due to momentum. Accordingly, the motor only stopsafter rotating a certain amount, but the rotor does not necessarilyalways rotate in the same direction until the rotation comes to a stop,and may go back and rotate in reverse due to the effect of themechanical structure. Therefore, it is possible that the pulsesoutputted when there is no longer a motor input signal and the motor isrotating just by momentum cannot be used to detect the rotationaldirection if the relative position detector is a single-phase type, andthat there will be a corresponding error.

However, as shown in FIG. 11, if the relative position detector is atwo-phase type, regardless of any motor input signal, the motor rotationdirection can always be ascertained due to the mutual pulse relationshipof CH1 and CH2. Accordingly, it is always possible to count the correctoutput pulses, with no error during inversion.

6: AF Method Selection Operation

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the decision processing by AF methodin which a selection can be made according to the combination ofinterchangeable lens and first and second camera bodies 3 and 300 (type2). FIG. 12 illustrates the decision processing for selecting an AFmethod with the first and second camera bodies 3 and 300 depending onthe information contained in the interchangeable lens, or informationcontained in the adapter, or information about whether or not an adapteris mounted.

As discussed above, the first and second camera bodies 3 and 300corresponding to a type 2 camera body have a shorter flange focaldistance than with a conventional camera body (type 1). Also, the type1-A and type 1-B interchangeable lenses are both an interchangeable lenscorresponding to a conventional camera body (type 1) with a longerflange focal distance.

Furthermore, a type 1-A interchangeable lens is compatible with a phasedifference detection method in an AF method. On the other hand, a type1-B interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection methodin addition to a phase difference detection method in an AF method.Because it is compatible with a contrast detection method, a type 1-Binterchangeable lens can drive a focus lens group that is the same asthe first and second interchangeable lenses 2 and 200. Specifically, atype 1-A interchangeable lens has drive margin ranges H1 and H2, just asdo the first and second interchangeable lenses 2 and 200, and has therelative position detector 90 with which direction can be determined. Atype 2 interchangeable lens is compatible with the first and secondcamera bodies 3 and 300 (type 2) that have a shorter flange focaldistance than a conventional camera body (type 1).

A primary assumption is that the nonvolatile memory 52 of theinterchangeable lens holds as lens information a lens ID and informationabout whether or not a contrast detection method is possible. Lens IDexpresses the type of interchangeable lens, and where is informationthat allows us to determine whether the interchangeable lens is a type1-A, type 1-B, or type 2. The information about whether or not acontrast detection method is possible is information related to whetheror not the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detectionmethod. In the case of a type 1-A interchangeable lens, the lensinformation includes information that the interchangeable lens is notcompatible with a contrast detection method. In the case of a type 1-Bor type 2 interchangeable lens, the lens information includesinformation that the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrastdetection method.

Also, two types of adapter are possible, as with the adapter A andadapter B mentioned above. The following four scenarios are possible foradapters A and B.

(1) When the focal point detection unit 6 compatible with a phasedifference detection method and the adapter microprocessor 7 areinstalled.

(2) When the adapter microprocessor 7 is installed, but the focal pointdetection unit 6 compatible with a phase difference detection method isnot installed.

(3) When neither the focal point detection unit 6 compatible with aphase difference detection method nor the adapter microprocessor 7 isinstalled.

(4) When the adapter microprocessor 7 is not installed, but the focalpoint detection unit 6 compatible with a phase difference detectionmethod is installed.

The adapter microprocessor 7 installed in the adapter has a function ofcontrolling signal lines, such as the power supply that is supplied fromthe camera body to the interchangeable lens or the adapter, orinformation that is exchanged (a) between the camera body and theinterchangeable lens, (b) between the camera body and the adapter, and(c) between the interchangeable lens and the adapter. When a focal pointdetection unit 6 that is compatible with a phase difference detectionmethod is installed in the adapter, there is a function of calculatingthe Df amount on the basis of the information obtained from the focalpoint detection unit 6. In the case of condition (4) above, the Dfamount is calculated with the interchangeable lens or the camera body onthe basis of information obtained from the focal point detection unit 6.

An example will be given here in which the camera body determineswhether or not a focal point detection unit compatible with a phasedifference detection method is installed in the adapter. Assuming theabove-mentioned conditions (1) and (2) for the adapter, the camera bodyreads whether or not the focal point detection unit 6 compatible with aphase difference detection method is installed from the adaptermicroprocessor 7 installed in the adapter, and can determine whether ornot a phase difference detection method can be used with the adapter.More specifically, the body microcomputer 12 determines whether or notthe adapter 4 is compatible with a phase difference detection method onthe basis of the adapter information held in the adapter microprocessor7.

Adapter information includes information that allows a determination asto whether the adapter A or the adapter B is applicable. In the case ofthe adapter A, the body microcomputer 12 determines that it iscompatible with a phase difference detection method, and in the case ofthe adapter B, the body microcomputer 12 determines that it is notcompatible with a phase difference detection method. When a type 1-Ainterchangeable lens and the adapter A are connected to a type 2 camerabody, the body microcomputer 12 determines that this is compatible witha phase difference detection method, but when a type 1-A interchangeablelens and the adapter B are connected to a type 2 camera body, the bodymicrocomputer 12 determines that this is incompatible with a phasedifference detection method. When a type 1-B interchangeable lens andthe adapter A are connected to a type 2 camera body, the bodymicrocomputer 12 determines that this is compatible with a phasedifference detection method, but when a type 1-B interchangeable lensand the adapter B are connected to a type 2 camera body, the bodymicrocomputer 12 determines that this is incompatible with a phasedifference detection method. Also, since a type 2 interchangeable lensand a type 2 camera body are connected directly, without going throughan adapter, there is no information from an adapter.

Next, we will describe processing for determining an AF method that canbe selected with a type 2 camera body, using the above-mentioned lensinformation and adapter information. First, the lens informationincludes lens ID or information related to compatibility with a contrastdetection method. This lens information can be used to determinedwhether or not a contrast detection method can be used.

More specifically, with a type 1-A interchangeable lens, the lensinformation includes information to the effect that the interchangeablelens is not compatible with a contrast detection method. With a type 1-Bor type 2 interchangeable lens, the lens information includesinformation to the effect that the interchangeable lens is compatiblewith a contrast detection method.

It is possible to determine whether or not a phase difference detectionmethod can be used by using information related to compatibility with aphase difference detection method among the adapter information (oradapter ID information). More specifically, when an adapter is mounted,it can be determined on the basis of this adapter information that thereis compatibility with a phase difference detection method (when theadapter A is mounted) or there is no compatibility with a phasedifference detection method (when the adapter B is mounted).

Therefore, when a type 1-A interchangeable lens is connected via theadapter A to a type 2 camera body, the AF method that can be selectedfor the camera body is a phase difference detection method. When a type1-A interchangeable lens is connected via the adapter B to a type 2camera body, there is no AF method that can be selected for the camerabody, and only manual focus (MF) can be used. When a type 1-Binterchangeable lens is connected via the adapter A to a type 2 camerabody, the AF method that can be selected for the camera body is either aphase difference detection method or a contrast detection method. When atype 1-B interchangeable lens is connected via the adapter B to a type 2camera body, the AF method that can be selected for the camera body is acontrast detection method. When a type 2 interchangeable lens isconnected to a type 2 camera body without the use of an adapter, the AFmethod that can be selected for the camera body is a contrast detectionmethod.

The determination as to whether or not a focal point detection unit ofthe phase difference detection method is installed in the adapter can bemade by the camera body or the interchangeable lens on the basis ofinformation outputted from the adapter microprocessor installed in theadapter. Also, with a configuration in which, for example, a protrusionor a recess is provided on the adapter side at the place where theadapter comes into contact with the camera body or the interchangeablelens, then whether or not an adapter is mounted and whether or not thereis compatibility with a phase difference detection method can bedetermined by detecting a change in a mechanical or electrical switchinside the camera body or interchangeable lens. It is also possible forthe configuration to be such that there is merely a difference in thetype of signal or the voltage level obtained from a specific electricalcontact. Thus, it is possible to identify the type of adapter with thecamera body, even though no microprocessor is included in the adapter.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart 1 related to AF method selection processingperformed by the first and second camera bodies (type 2). FIG. 13 showsthe processing flow of the body microcomputer 12 installed in the firstand second camera bodies 3 and 300 (type 2). The flow is started from AFmethod selection processing.

In step 1, the body microcomputer 12 of the camera body acquires lensinformation from the lens microcomputer 20 installed in theinterchangeable lens. As described through reference to FIG. 12, thelens information includes a lens ID expressing the type ofinterchangeable lens (such as type 1-A, type 1-B, or type 2) and/orinformation related to whether or not there is compatibility with acontrast detection method.

In step 2, it is determined whether or not an adapter has been mounted.As discussed above, whether or not an adapter has been mounted may bedetected mechanically, electrically, or by some other method. Here, ifthe body microcomputer 12 determines that no adapter is mounted, theflow proceeds to step 3. In step 3, as described for FIG. 12, theinterchangeable lens used in a state in which no adapter is mounted is atype 2 interchangeable lens. In this case, the body microcomputer 12selects a contrast detection method as the AF method, and the AF methodselection processing is ended.

In step 2, if an adapter is mounted, the flow proceeds to step 4. Instep 4, adapter information is acquired from the adapter microprocessor7 installed in the adapter. As described with reference to FIG. 12,adapter information may be information to the effect that an adaptercompatible with a phase difference detection method (when the adapter IDindicates adapter A), an adapter incompatible with a phase differencedetection method (when the adapter ID indicates adapter B), or anotheradapter has or has not been mounted. In step 5, the body microcomputer12 determines whether or not the adapter is compatible with a phasedifference detection method. If the adapter is compatible with a phasedifference detection method, the flow proceeds to step 6.

In step 6, it is determined whether or not the interchangeable lens iscompatible with a contrast detection method on the basis of the lensinformation acquired in step 1. If it is compatible with a contrastdetection method, the flow proceeds to step 8. In the flow up to thispoint, it can be specified that a type 1-B interchangeable lenscompatible with a contrast detection method and an adapter A compatiblewith a phase difference detection method have been mounted to the camerabody.

If the flow proceeds to step 8, then either a contrast detection methodor a phase difference detection method can be selected as the AF method,so the AF method is automatically selected by the camera body (selectingthe one that its better for each function, such as moving or stillimages, or the one specified by default), or the method specified by theuser is selected. Here, if a contrast detection method is selected, theflow proceeds to step 3 and the contrast detection method is set, but ifa phase difference detection method is selected, the flow proceeds tostep 9 and a phase difference detection method is set.

In step 6, if there is no compatibility with a contrast detectionmethod, the flow proceeds to step 9. In step 9, since it is known that atype 1-A interchangeable lens that is not compatible with a contrastdetection method and an adapter A that is compatible with a phasedifference detection method are mounted to the camera body, the bodymicrocomputer 12 selects a phase difference detection method as the AFmethod.

In step 5, if an adapter that is not compatible with a phase differencedetection method is mounted, the flow proceeds to step 7. In step 7, itis determined whether or not the interchangeable lens is compatible witha contrast detection method, and if it is compatible with a contrastdetection method, the flow proceeds to step 3. Here, it is known that atype 1-B interchangeable lens that is compatible with a contrastdetection method and an adapter B that is not compatible with a phasedifference detection method are mounted, and a contrast detection methodis selected as the AF method.

In step 7, if the interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrastdetection method, the flow proceeds to step 10. Here, since a type 1-Ainterchangeable lens that is not compatible with a contrast detectionmethod and an adapter B that is not compatible with a phase differencedetection method are mounted to the camera body, no method is selectedas the AF method, and manual focus is set.

In the above description, an example was given of acquiring lensinformation from the interchangeable lens connected directly or via anadapter to the camera body, or of acquiring adapter information from theadapter connected to the body, but even if neither information isacquired, an AF method may be selected depending on whether or not anadapter is mounted. The flow for this situation will now be describedthrough reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart 2 related to AF method selection processingperformed by the first and second camera bodies (type 2). In FIG. 14,the processing flow is shown for the body microcomputer 12 installed inthe type 2 camera body, and processing is started from the start of AFmethod selection processing. In step 11, the body microcomputer 12determines whether or not an adapter has been mounted.

The determination as to whether or not an adapter is mounted can be madeby detecting information outputted from the adapter microprocessor 7installed in the adapter, as well as whether there is a change in thetype of signal or the voltage level, whether the interchangeable lens orcamera body has been mechanically or electrically switched on or off bythe mounting of an adapter, or the like (mounting detector).

If no adapter has been mounted, the flow proceeds to step 12 and acontrast detection method is selected. Here, a state is indicated inwhich a type 2 interchangeable lens is mounted to a type 2 camera body,and a contrast detection method is selected as the AF method.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in step 11 that an adapter has beenmounted, the flow proceeds to step 13 and a phase difference detectionmethod is selected. Here, a state is indicated in which a type 1-A ortype 1-B interchangeable lens is connected to a type 2 camera body viaan adapter A that is compatible with a phase difference detectionmethod, and a phase difference detection method is effective as the AFmethod.

In this flowchart 2, it is assumed that there is no adapter B that isnot compatible with a phase difference detection method, or that thefrequency of application of an adapter B is low.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart 3 related to AF method selection processingperformed by the first and second camera bodies (type 2). FIG. 15 showsthe processing flow of the body microcomputer 12 installed in a type 2camera body, and the processing is started from the start of AF methodselection processing. In step 21, it is determined whether or not anadapter is mounted.

The determination as to whether or not an adapter is mounted can be madeby detecting information outputted from the adapter microprocessor 7installed in the adapter, as well as whether there is a change in thetype of signal or the voltage level, whether the interchangeable lens orcamera body has been mechanically or electrically switched on or off bythe mounting of an adapter, or the like.

If an adapter has not been mounted, the flow proceeds to step 22 and acontrast detection method is selected. Here, a state is indicated inwhich a type 2 interchangeable lens is mounted to a type 2 camera body,and a contrast detection method is selected as the AF method.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in step 21 that an adapter has beenmounted, the flow proceeds to step 23 and manual focus is selected.Here, a state is indicated in which a type 1-A or type 1-Binterchangeable lens is connected to a type 2 camera body via an adapterA that is compatible with a phase difference detection method, andmanual focus is selected in this example.

This flowchart 3 shows an example in which manual focus is selected bydefault whether an adapter A that is compatible with a phase differencedetection method is mounted, or an adapter B that is not compatible witha phase difference detection method is mounted. If an adapter A that iscompatible with a phase difference detection method is mounted, manualfocus is set by default, but the user can override this and select aphase difference detection method.

As discussed above, in this embodiment the focal point detection methodis set as follows according to the situation.

(1) A contrast detection type of auto-focus is selected when aninterchangeable lens (type 2) that is compatible with contrast detectiontype of auto-focus is mounted.

(2) Either a contrast detection type or a phase difference detectiontype of auto-focus is selected when an interchangeable lens (type 1-B)that is compatible with a contrast detection type of auto-focus ismounted via an adapter (adapter A) having a phase difference detectionunit.

(3) A phase difference detection type of auto-focus is selected when aninterchangeable lens (type 1-A) that is not compatible with a contrastdetection type of auto-focus is mounted via an adapter (adapter A)having a phase difference detection unit.

The determination as to whether or not there is compatibility with acontrast detection type of auto-focus can be made depending on the lensinformation, the lens model, whether or not there are drive marginranges H1 and H2, whether or not the relative position detector candetermine the movement direction of the focus lens, whether the relativeposition detector corresponds to a single-phase encoder or a two-phaseencoder, and so forth.

7: Modification Example of Using a Second Adapter

A modification example 1 of the above-mentioned adapter A will now bedescribed. For the purpose of this description, FIG. 16 illustrates acase in which the first camera body 3 and the third interchangeable lens720 are used. FIG. 16 shows a combination of the first camera body 3,the third interchangeable lens, and a second adapter connected betweenthese.

7.1: Second Adapter

A second adapter 40 comprises the second body mount 81 that can beconnected with the first lens mount 70 had by the first camera body, thesecond lens mount 71 that can be connected with the first body mount 80had by the third interchangeable lens, the focal point detection unit 6,the adapter microprocessor 7, the half mirror 8, a mirror driver 49 thatdrives the half mirror 8, and a relay optical system 101.

7.2: Overall Configuration of Camera System with Second Adapter

As shown in FIG. 16, light from a subject (not shown) passes through theinterchangeable lens 720, the light incident on the adapter 40 passesthrough the relay optical system 101, and part of the light is reflectedby the half mirror 8 and is incident on the focal point detection unit6. The rest of the light passes through and is incident as a subjectimage on the imaging sensor 11 of the camera body 3. This subject imageis electrically converted into an upright image and displayed on theimage display component 16, so that an upright image of the subject canbe viewed.

The back focus of the interchangeable lens 720 is longer than thedistance (flange focal distance) in the optical axis direction from thesecond lens mount 71 to the imaging sensor 11 of the first camera body3. Therefore, the relay optical system 101 is designed so that theoptical distance from the second lens mount 71 to the imaging sensor 11of the first camera body 3 will be equal to the back focus of theinterchangeable lens 720.

7.3: Operation During Imaging

The operation during imaging will not be described again, since it issubstantially the same as that with a camera system equipped with thefirst adapter 4 shown in FIG. 4 and discussed above.

8: Modification Example of Using a Third Adapter

A second modification example of the above-mentioned adapter A will nowbe described. For the sake of convenience, we will describe a case ofusing the first camera body 3 and a fourth interchangeable lens 820(without an image blur correcting function) in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows acombination of the first camera body 3, the fourth interchangeable lens820, and a third adapter 400 that is connected between these two.

8.1: Fourth Interchangeable Lens

The fourth interchangeable lens 820 differs from the thirdinterchangeable lens 720 in that it has no shake detection unit 21 orimage blur correction controller 23. The rest of the constitution is thesame as that of the third interchangeable lens 720.

8.2: Third Adapter

A third adapter 400 comprises the second body mount 81 that can beconnected to the first lens mount 70 had by the first camera body 3, thesecond lens mount 71 that can be connected to the first body mount 80 ofthe fourth interchangeable lens, the focal point detection unit 6, theadapter microprocessor 7, the half mirror 8, the mirror driver 49 thatdrives the half mirror 8, and a relay optical system 101. The thirdadapter 400 further has the shake detection unit 21 and the image blurcorrection controller 23. The relay optical system 101 further has ablur correcting lens 101 a.

The shake detection unit 21 and the image blur correction controller 23will not be described again, since they are the same as described forthe first interchangeable lens 2.

8.3: Overall Configuration of Camera System with Adapter C

As shown in FIG. 17, light from a subject (not shown) passes through thefourth interchangeable lens 820, the light incident on the adapter 400passes through the relay optical system 101, and part of the light isreflected by the half mirror 8 and is incident on the focal pointdetection unit 6. The rest of the light passes through and is incidentas a subject image on the imaging sensor 11 of the camera body 3. Thissubject image is electrically converted into an upright image anddisplayed on the image display component 16, so that an upright image ofthe subject can be viewed.

The back focus of the interchangeable lens 820 is set longer than thedistance (flange focal distance) from the second lens mount 71 to theimaging sensor 11 of the camera body 3. Therefore, the relay opticalsystem 101 is designed so that the optical distance from the second lensmount 71 to the imaging sensor 11 of the camera body 3 will be equal tothe flange focal distance of the interchangeable lens 820.

Furthermore, image blur can be corrected by driving the blur correctinglens 101 a of the relay optical system 101 within a plane perpendicularto the optical axis X.

8.4: Operation During Imaging

The operation during imaging is substantially the same as that with asingle lens reflex camera system equipped with the first adapter 4 shownin FIG. 4 and discussed above, and therefore only the differences willbe described.

The adapter microprocessor 7 sends the body microcomputer 12 informationto the effect that an adapter has been connected, via an electricalcontact (not shown) of the lens mount 70. At this point the adaptermicroprocessor also receives information related to whether or not animage blur corrector is installed in the interchangeable lens 820,determines how the various functions will be used in the imagingoperation, and sends the result to the body microcomputer 12. Forexample, with the configuration shown in FIG. 17, a command is issued sothat the image blur correcting function is handled by the adapter 400and focal point detection is performed by the focal point detection unit6 built into the adapter.

The first, second, and third adapters and the first and second camerabodies described so far can function in any combination, which makes itpossible to provide the user with auto-focus and image blur correctionin the optimal state in many different combinations of the type ofinterchangeable lens, whether or not there is a blur correctingfunction, and so forth.

9: Modification Example Featuring Fourth Adapter

A modification example 3 of the above-mentioned adapter A will now bedescribed. For the sake of convenience, we will describe a case of usingthe first camera body 3 and the third interchangeable lens 720 in FIG.18. FIG. 18 shows a combination of the first camera body 3, the thirdinterchangeable lens, and the fourth adapter that is connected betweenthese.

9.1: Fourth Adapter

The fourth adapter 5 differs from the first adapter 4 in that it doesnot have the half mirror 8 and the mirror driver 9 of the first adapter4 shown in FIG. 4, and instead has a pellicle mirror 58 and a protectiveglass sheet 59. The rest of the configuration is substantially the sameas that of the first adapter 4.

9.2: Overall Configuration of Camera System with Fourth Adapter

As shown in FIG. 18, light from a subject (not shown) passes through theimaging optical system L of the interchangeable lens 720 and is incidenton the adapter 5. Part of the light incident on the adapter 5 isreflected by the pellicle mirror 58 and is incident on the focal pointdetection unit 6. The rest of the light passes through the pelliclemirror 58 and is incident as a subject image on the imaging sensor 11 ofthe camera body 3. This subject image is electrically converted into anupright image and displayed on the image display component 16.Consequently, an upright image of the subject can be viewed on the imagedisplay component 16. Also, since the pellicle mirror 58 is an extremelythin semi-permeable thin-film, the protective glass sheet 59 is providedso that no external force is directly exerted and so as to cover theopenings of both the first body mount 80 and the second lens mount 71.

The pellicle mirror 58 stays disposed along the optical path even duringimaging. During imaging, light that has passed through the pelliclemirror 58 is received by the imaging sensor 11.

10: Modification Example Featuring Fifth Adapter

The fifth adapter 500 shown in FIG. 19 differs from the second adapter40 in that it does not have the half mirror 8 and the mirror driver 49of the second adapter 40 shown in FIG. 16, and instead has the pelliclemirror 58 and the protective glass sheet 59. The rest of theconfiguration is the same as that of the second adapter 40.

11: Modification Example Featuring Sixth Adapter

The sixth adapter 550 shown in FIG. 20 differs from the third adapter400 in that it does not have the half mirror 8 and the mirror driver 49of the third adapter 400 shown in FIG. 17, and instead has the pelliclemirror 58 and the protective glass sheet 59. The rest of theconfiguration is the same as that of the third adapter 400.

12: Features of Camera System

The camera system described above has the following features.

(1)

With the above-mentioned camera system, if the interchangeable lens iscompatible with a contrast detection method, the body microcomputer 12selects a contrast detection method as the focal point detection method.If the interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detectionmethod, but the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detectionmethod, the body microcomputer 12 selects a phase difference detectionmethod as the focal point detection method. That is, even though theinterchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method,as long as the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detectionmethod, focal point detection can be performed by phase differencedetection method. Accordingly, with this camera system, many differentinterchangeable lenses are compatible, which enhances versatility.

Also, a difference between the back focus of the interchangeable lensand the flange focal distance of the camera body 3 can be corrected bymounting an adapter, so even an interchangeable lens and camera bodycombination in which the flange focal distance and the back focus arenot compatible can still be used as a camera system by using an adapter.

(2)

If the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detectionmethod and the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detectionmethod, the body microcomputer 12 selects either a contrast detectionmethod or a phase difference detection method as the focal pointdetection method. Accordingly, either a contrast detection method or aphase difference detection method can be selected as the focal pointdetection method, and the interchangeable lens and adapter functions canbe utilized to full potential.

(3)

Since the body microcomputer 12 determines whether or not theinterchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method onthe basis of lens information, the camera body 3 can be used with avariety of interchangeable lenses, and this expands the range ofinterchangeability.

(4)

Since the body microcomputer 12 determines whether or not the adapter iscompatible with a phase difference detection method on the basis ofadapter information, even if the camera body 3 has not phase differencedetection unit, the phase difference detection unit of the adapter canbe utilized so that AF can be performed by phase difference detectionmethod.

(5)

Since the lens information includes information related to the focalpoint detection method and lens ID, the camera body 3 can easily andaccurately determine the focal point detection method of theinterchangeable lens. Consequently, the proper determination can be madeaccording to the focal point detection method of the interchangeablelens.

Furthermore, the lens information may include information related towhether or not there are drive margin ranges H1 and H2 for the focuslens group 24. It can be determined on the basis of this informationwhether or not the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrastdetection method.

For example, if the interchangeable lens has a drive margin range, thebody microcomputer 12 determines that the interchangeable lens iscompatible with a contrast detection method. If the interchangeable lensdoes not have a drive margin range, the body microcomputer 12 determinesthat the interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrastdetection method.

(6)

Also, it is conceivable that whether or not the interchangeable lens iscompatible with a contrast detection method can be determined on thebasis of information related to the specifications of the relativeposition detector. This information is included in the lens information,for example. If the relative position detector has a two-phase encoder,the body microcomputer 12 determines that the interchangeable lens iscompatible with a contrast detection method. If the relative positiondetector has a single-phase encoder, the body microcomputer 12determines that the interchangeable lens is not compatible with acontrast detection method.

(7)

Since the adapter has a phase difference detection type of focal pointdetection unit 6, if the interchangeable lens is compatible with acontrast detection method, either a phase difference detection method ora contrast detection method can be selected, which increasesversatility.

(8)

When it is detected that an adapter has been mounted to the first camerabody 3, and a focal point detection method is selected on the basis ofthis detection result, the focal point detection method can be selectedby a simpler system.

(9)

As described above, this camera system 1 and camera body 3 arecompatible with a variety of interchangeable lenses, and this enhancesversatility.

13: Other Working Examples

The single lens reflex system, camera body, interchangeable lens, andadapter according to the present invention are not limited to or by theembodiments given above, and various modifications and changes arepossible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1. An imaging device for acquiring an image of a subject, comprising: aninterchangeable lens including an imaging optical system arranged toform an optical image of the subject, and a lens controller configuredto hold lens information including information related to a focal pointdetection method; and a camera body including an imaging part configuredto convert an optical image of the subject into an image signal, a focalpoint detector configured to detect a contrast value on the basis of theimage signal and configured to determine the focal state of the opticalimage on the basis of the contrast value, and a main body controllerconfigured to acquire the lens information held in the lens controllerand configured to select the focal point detection method on the basisof the lens information, the camera body allowing the interchangeablelens to be mounted, or allowing the interchangeable lens to be mountedvia an adapter, the main body controller is configured to select acontrast detection method as the focal point detection method if theinterchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method andthe interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body without anadapter, and the main body controller is configured to select a phasedifference detection method as the focal point detection method if theinterchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method,the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body via an adapterand the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detection method.2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the main bodycontroller is configured to select either a contrast detection method ora phase difference detection method as the focal point detection methodif the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detectionmethod and the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detectionmethod.
 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the mainbody controller is configured to determine whether or not theinterchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method onthe basis of the lens information.
 4. The imaging device according toclaim 3, wherein the adapter includes an adapter controller configuredto hold adapter information including information related to a focalpoint detection method, and the main body controller is configured todetermine whether or not the adapter is compatible with a phasedifference detection method on the basis of the adapter information. 5.The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the interchangeablelens includes a focal point adjuster including a focus lens groupincluded in the imaging optical system and a position detectorconfigured to detect the position of the focus lens group, and the lensinformation includes at least one type of information selected fromamong information for specifying the interchangeable lens, informationrelated to whether or not there is a drive margin range for the focuslens group, and information related to the specifications of theposition detector.
 6. The imaging device according to claim 5, whereinthe main body controller is configured to determine that theinterchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method ifthe interchangeable lens includes the drive margin range, and the mainbody controller is configured to determine that the interchangeable lensis not compatible with a contrast detection method if theinterchangeable lens does not include the drive margin range.
 7. Theimaging device according to claim 6, wherein the position detectorincludes a relative position detector configured to detect the movementdirection and movement amount of the focus lens group, the lensinformation includes information related to the specifications of therelative position detector, the main body controller is configured todetermine that the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrastdetection method if the relative position detector includes a two-phaseencoder, and the main body controller is configured to determine thatthe interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detectionmethod if the relative position detector includes a single-phaseencoder.
 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, further comprisingan adapter, which is a unit that can be mounted to the camera body andthe interchangeable lens in between the camera body and theinterchangeable lens, and which includes a mirror arranged to reflectpart of the light emitted from the imaging optical system, and a secondfocal point detector configured to utilize the light reflected by themirror to determine the focal state by a phase difference detectionmethod.
 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the mirroris a pellicle mirror.
 10. An imaging device for acquiring an image of asubject, comprising: an interchangeable lens including an imagingoptical system arranged to form an optical image of the subject; and acamera body including an imaging part configured to convert an opticalimage of the subject into an image signal, a focal point detectorconfigured to detect a contrast value on the basis of the image signaland configured to determine the focal state of the optical image on thebasis of the contrast value, a mounting detector configured to detectthat an adapter has been mounted, and a main body controller configuredto select a focal point detection method on the basis of the detectionresult of the mounting detector, the camera body allowing theinterchangeable lens to be mounted, or allowing the interchangeable lensto be mounted via an adapter.
 11. The imaging device according to claim10, wherein the main body controller is configured to select a phasedifference detection method as the focal point detection method if themounting detector detects that the adapter has been mounted.
 12. Acamera body that is used along with an interchangeable lens in animaging device configured to acquire an image of a subject, theinterchangeable lens comprising an imaging optical system arranged toform an optical image of the subject, and a lens controller configuredto hold lens information including information related to a focal pointdetection method, and which allows the interchangeable lens to bemounted, or allows the interchangeable lens to be mounted via anadapter, the camera body comprising: an imaging part configured toconvert an optical image of the subject into an image signal; a focalpoint detector configured to detect a contrast value on the basis of theimage signal and configured to determine the focal state of the opticalimage on the basis of the contrast value; and a main body controllerconfigured to acquire the lens information held in the lens controllerand configured to select the focal point detection method on the basisof the lens information, wherein the main body controller is configuredto select a contrast detection method as the focal point detectionmethod if the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrastdetection method and the interchangeable lens is attached to the camerabody without an adapter, and the main body controller is configured toselect a phase difference detection method as the focal point detectionmethod if the interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrastdetection method, the interchangeable lens is attached to the camerabody via an adapter and the adapter is compatible with a phasedifference detection method.